David Ngog admits the prospect of teaming up with one of his footballing idols played a part in his move to Anfield.
The 19-year-old Frenchman regarded Fernando Torres as a role model when he broke onto the scene at Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago.
El Nino has already offered the new boy some words of wisdom at Melwood – and Ngog hopes the club's number nine can help him become a big hit in the Premier League.
"I am obviously looking forward to playing and training with a striker of his quality," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "To have someone like that who I can learn from will be great for me.
"I have already trained with Fernando and he has told me that if there is anything I need, I only have to ask. He is such a big star and it's nice that he took the time, but all the players have been similar – Gerrard and Carragher.
"Torres is one of my role models."
Another of the forward's idols is Thierry Henry, who after an initial settling in period went on to be one of the Premier League's finest ever imports.
Ngog admits he has thought about the impact his countryman made after arriving in England in August 1999, but accepts not everyone adapts so easily to life across the Channel.
"I know it won't be easy but I am still young," he added. "The French league is very good, they have good defenders there. But in England it is quicker, more intense; it impacts upon you more, physically.
"My qualities are that I am tall and quick, and technically good on the ball, but I still have to adapt to the physical side of the English game. Maybe I can be more aggressive.
"I have spoken to Rafa about how I can progress. He told me how I could learn from some of the other great players who are already here. I know I have to work very hard in order to get to the stage where I am playing a lot of games."
Ngog is set to travel to Spain with his new teammates on Tuesday and may be in contention for a debut against Villarreal the following day.
He added: "I am really looking forward to wearing the shirt for the first time. It will be a very proud moment for me, and I will try to do my best for this club.
"Liverpool were my English team – I supported PSG in France – and I love this club.
"I will do my best to prove myself here and to help the team win matches."
He is saying all the right things. I have a good feeling about him and we got him cheap. Somebody mentioned Peterborough were looking for 3m for one of there strikers
The 19-year-old Frenchman regarded Fernando Torres as a role model when he broke onto the scene at Paris Saint-Germain 18 months ago.
El Nino has already offered the new boy some words of wisdom at Melwood – and Ngog hopes the club's number nine can help him become a big hit in the Premier League.
"I am obviously looking forward to playing and training with a striker of his quality," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "To have someone like that who I can learn from will be great for me.
"I have already trained with Fernando and he has told me that if there is anything I need, I only have to ask. He is such a big star and it's nice that he took the time, but all the players have been similar – Gerrard and Carragher.
"Torres is one of my role models."
Another of the forward's idols is Thierry Henry, who after an initial settling in period went on to be one of the Premier League's finest ever imports.
Ngog admits he has thought about the impact his countryman made after arriving in England in August 1999, but accepts not everyone adapts so easily to life across the Channel.
"I know it won't be easy but I am still young," he added. "The French league is very good, they have good defenders there. But in England it is quicker, more intense; it impacts upon you more, physically.
"My qualities are that I am tall and quick, and technically good on the ball, but I still have to adapt to the physical side of the English game. Maybe I can be more aggressive.
"I have spoken to Rafa about how I can progress. He told me how I could learn from some of the other great players who are already here. I know I have to work very hard in order to get to the stage where I am playing a lot of games."
Ngog is set to travel to Spain with his new teammates on Tuesday and may be in contention for a debut against Villarreal the following day.
He added: "I am really looking forward to wearing the shirt for the first time. It will be a very proud moment for me, and I will try to do my best for this club.
"Liverpool were my English team – I supported PSG in France – and I love this club.
"I will do my best to prove myself here and to help the team win matches."
He is saying all the right things. I have a good feeling about him and we got him cheap. Somebody mentioned Peterborough were looking for 3m for one of there strikers
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